For third grader Elsie MacLaughlin, the lesson is simple.

“Even if you are small, you can make a big difference,” Elsie said. “I like that we can help with donations for the animal shelter and for people. It is really nice because we can help people that need help.”

What Is RotaKids in Fort Myers?

RotaKids is a service club sponsored by Rotary. The program works with schools to motivate children to help others in their community.

The Three Oaks Elementary School club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Estero. Rotarian Carmelita Singh-Mayer said the goal is to build a habit of service early.

“It is training them from a young age to give back to the community,” Singh-Mayer said.

At Three Oaks Elementary, that mission has become part of the school culture. Principal Candace Allevato said she is proud of the 63 students who chose to participate.

“I am so proud of all of the work and leadership this group has done this year,” Allevato said. “It makes me a very proud principal.”

How Are Three Oaks Elementary Students Helping?

Students in the RotaKids in Fort Myers club took on several hands-on service projects during the school year. Each project gave children a clear way to help someone else.

• They packed 2,000 pounds of rice and beans for Interfaith Charities.
• They collected pet food, toys, and bedding for Gulf Coast Humane Society.
• They performed cleanups around Three Oaks Elementary.
• They made cards and ornaments for military members.
• They wrote letters of appreciation to teachers.

For fifth grader Ryleigh-Anne Laine, the club offered something she had been looking for.

“Before RotaKids, I loved helping, but I didn’t really have a way to do that,” Ryleigh-Anne said. “RotaKids helped me have a way to do that and to help my community.”

Can Kids Really Make A Difference?

The students at Three Oaks Elementary say yes. Many of them talked about how small actions add up when children work together.

Fifth grader Maci Fitzsimmons said there is power in children helping as a group.

“Kids have the power to make a difference right now, not just when we grow up,” Maci stressed. “Picking up trash might seem small, but [it] can help.”

Fourth grader Ethan Schafe said helping others leaves him with a good feeling.

“It makes me feel like I did a good thing when I helped the community and other people,” Ethan said.

That is the message Lori Wallace, the school guidance counselor, wants students to understand.

“I want them to know that no act of kindness is too small to make a difference in someone’s life,” Wallace said.

Sarah Gonzalez, a kindergarten teacher who oversees the club, said she wants children to notice needs around them instead of walking past them.

“Don’t just walk by the garbage, don’t just walk by the child crying,” Gonzalez said. “One kid could not do the rice and beans project, but together they can make an impact. I hope that other schools read about this and want to start something like this.”

What Are Students Learning About Kindness?

The students were eager to explain how helping makes them feel. Their answers were direct, thoughtful, and full of pride.

“I like all the activities we do to help people,” said fourth grader Emma Gonzalez. “It makes me feel happy.”

Fifth grader Quinn Holy said, “I enjoy helping people that don’t have a lot of stuff.”

Fifth grader Myla Albert said helping the planet matters, too.

“It makes me feel happy because we are helping the earth,” Myla said.

Classmate Peter Hage said the food projects helped him think about people who need support.

“You get to help unfortunate people that can’t buy food,” Peter said.

Fifth grader Mateus Mussalem summed up the club’s purpose in one sentence: “We can make the world even better.”

Does A Child Need Special Skills To Serve?

Students say no. The RotaKids in Fort Myers club is built on kindness, teamwork, and a willingness to help.

Fifth grader Payton Kuhn said children do not have to be athletic or strong to take part.

“You can just help each other, and you can have fun,” Payton said. “Everyone can take a part in helping. It is just incredible how you can help so much in such a little bit of time.”

Fifth grader Ava Diaz agreed.

“It is a great club and a great experience knowing you are helping others without being recognized,” Ava said. “You don’t need any special ability; you just need a kind heart.”

How Can Collier and Lee County Families Encourage Service?

Families in Collier and Lee Counties can use the example from Three Oaks Elementary to start simple conversations about kindness. Children often understand service best when they can see, touch, and do the work themselves.

• Let your child help choose items for a food or pet supply donation.
• Write thank-you notes together for teachers, neighbors, first responders, or military members.
• Pick up litter during a family walk.
• Look for family events in Collier and Lee Counties that include volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage your child to invite friends or classmates to help, too.

RotaKids in Fort Myers shows that service does not have to be complicated. A kind heart, a willing group, and one small project can help children see that they already have the power to make their community better.

The post RotaKids in Fort Myers Helps Kids Lead With Kindness appeared first on SWFL Family.

Nova Classical STEM Academy plans to launch its inaugural school year serving grades K–7. The tuition-free public charter school also plans to expand annually until it serves grades K–12.

For families in Southwest Florida, this event offers an early look at a new education option designed to combine Classical education with STEM-focused, project-based learning. That may be especially useful for parents in Collier and Lee Counties who are comparing school choices before the 2026–27 school year.

Where can families go and what will happen at the event?

The ceremony will take place at Nova Classical STEM Academy, 7101 Banway Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967. The event runs from 1–3 p.m. and is being hosted in partnership with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

According to the announcement, the event will include brief remarks from community leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and guided campus tours. Parents and community members will also have the chance to learn more about the school’s educational model and opening plans.

• Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• Location: 7101 Banway Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967
• Event features: remarks, ribbon cutting, guided tours

Several local and school leaders are expected to attend, including Dr. Yalcin Akin, president of Discovery Science Schools, and Matt Sheets, founding principal of Nova Classical STEM Academy.

• Dr. Yalcin Akin, President, Discovery Science Schools
• Matt Sheets, Founding Principal, Nova Classical STEM Academy
• John Lai, Interim President & CEO, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
• Trish Petrosky, Lee County Commissioner, District 5
• Kevin Anderson, Mayor, City of Fort Myers

This makes the event more than a photo opportunity. It is also a practical chance for parents to see the campus before the school year begins and hear directly from the people leading the school and supporting its launch.

What makes Nova Classical STEM Academy different from other school choices?

Nova Classical STEM Academy says it blends a Classical education foundation with STEM-enriched, project-based learning in a tuition-free public charter school setting. The school has been approved by the Lee County School Board and is scheduled to open in August 2026.

The school describes its model as one that is rooted in classical humanistic values and enriched with modern scientific exploration. For parents, that means the academy is presenting itself as a school that aims to combine core academic traditions with hands-on STEM learning.

The press release also states that Nova Classical STEM Academy is the first school in the world to integrate these elements in this specific tuition-free public charter format. Families interested in new education models may want to ask how that approach will look in day-to-day classroom life once the campus opens.

At opening, the school is expected to serve grades K–7. It plans to add grade levels each year until it reaches K–12.

• Opening: August 2026
• Initial grades: K–7
• Future plan: expand annually to K–12
• School type: tuition-free public charter school

That long-range growth plan could matter to families looking for continuity over time. It may also interest parents who want to learn whether younger children can remain in the same school community as they move into later grades.

The announcement positions the school as a new option for Southwest Florida families and ties the opening to growth in the region’s future workforce and community. For parents in Collier and Lee Counties, that puts this launch on the radar as both a school story and a local development story.

Who is this school for and is it free?

Nova Classical STEM Academy is described as a tuition-free public charter school. That is one of the clearest practical details for families deciding whether to attend the event or follow the school more closely.

Based on the release, the school will open with grades K–7 in August 2026. Parents of children in those grades may find the ribbon cutting especially useful because it offers an early introduction to the campus and leadership team.

The press release does not include application steps, enrollment deadlines, transportation details, or other policy information. It also does not list eligibility requirements beyond the grades the school plans to serve at opening.

That means the event may be a good starting point for families who want a first look, but you may still need to follow up directly for enrollment and operational details. It is smart to write down your top questions before you attend.

• Will your child be in grades K–7 for the August 2026 opening?
• Do you want to see the campus before the school year starts?
• Are you comparing charter, public, or other school options in Fort Myers?
• Would a Classical and STEM-focused approach fit your child’s learning style?

Parents who want more family resources can also visit the Neapolitan Family homepage and the Parenting section for additional local information.

Next step: Bring a few written questions about enrollment, grade expansion, and daily programming so you can make the most of the event.

How can parents prepare and who should they contact for more information?

If you plan to attend, the most helpful preparation is simple. Confirm the event time, keep the school address handy, and leave room in your schedule for a guided tour and brief remarks.

If you cannot attend or need more information, the school’s website and phone number were included in the announcement. Families can learn more at NovaClassical.net or call 239-483-8340.

For parents, the key contact from the release is the school itself. Calling ahead may help if you want to confirm event details, ask about the August 2026 opening, or learn when more enrollment information will be available.

The Nova Classical STEM Academy ribbon cutting gives families a practical way to see a new Fort Myers campus before students arrive. It also gives the community a closer look at a school that plans to grow from K–7 to K–12 over time.

The post Nova Classical STEM Academy ribbon cutting opens a new Fort Myers school option appeared first on SWFL Family.

Prioritizing Safety in Every School

Nothing matters more than the safety of students and staff. The district secured $2.9 million to enhance security and became the only school district in Florida to deploy OPENGATE weapon detection systems at every school.

The Safe Start Initiative continues to improve student transportation. Today, 95% of our buses arrive on time each morning, solving long-standing delays.

We also partnered with BusPatrol to issue citations to drivers illegally passing stopped school buses. Over 1,700 violations were recorded during the warning phase. Enforcement began on December 8 to change dangerous driving behaviors.

Reducing Distractions for Better Learning

To boost engagement, we implemented a new technology ban that prohibits personal cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds during school hours. Teachers are already seeing fewer disruptions and higher participation.

We also added 14 minutes to the high school schedule—equating to 42 more hours of instruction annually. Coupled with reliable transportation, students benefit from consistent, uninterrupted learning.

Expanding Career Opportunities

Lee County’s future workforce begins in our classrooms. This year, we introduced applied robotics, a solar academy, and environmental water and reclamation programs aligned with real-world needs. Agriculture, marine science, and veterinary assisting programs were expanded to 10 high schools.

We launched Xello, a K-12 college and career readiness platform, giving students tools to plan their futures with confidence.

Investing in Teachers

Strong schools rely on strong educators. In just one year, we reduced instructional vacancies from 228 to just 19. The impact: restored planning periods, lower stress, and stronger relationships in the classroom.

• 7% average salary increase—compared to the state’s less than 1%
• New starting salary: $54,500 (up $4,000)
• 30-minute lunch and a 2% raise for extended workday
• 3% cost-of-living adjustment
• New paid parental and bereavement leave policies

With more support and less turnover, teachers can focus on what matters most: student success.

Financial Efficiency and Responsibility

We reduced administrative department budgets by 5% and reorganized operations, saving over $20 million. These funds are now reinvested into classrooms, educators, and student programs.

Empowering Parents and Families

Parents are key partners in education. This year, we launched a Parent Task Force, hosted town halls across Lee County, and made enrollment easier with instructional videos and streamlined processes.

Looking Ahead

Lee County is growing—and so must our schools. New campuses, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades are underway to meet the demands of current and future students.

Transforming a school system doesn’t happen overnight, but the progress we’ve made in one year is remarkable. With continued collaboration and accountability, we will build the world-class district our students deserve.

Dr. Denise Carlin is the first elected superintendent in 50 years for the School District of Lee County. For more information, visit LeeSchools.Net.

The post A Year of Progress for Lee County Schools appeared first on SWFL Family.

‘Tis the season for Southwest Florida children to make their Christmas lists and state their case on whether they’ve been naughty or nice this year.

Now through Nov. 28, boys and girls across Southwest Florida can write their letters to Santa at any Sunshine Ace Hardware store to be sent to the North Pole. Sunshine Ace Hardware has a designated mailbox at each retail location for letters bound for Santa’s home.

“Through our Letters to Santa program, we’ll be sending messages directly to Santa’s home at the North Pole, and he has promised that he’ll respond to every letter,” said Sunshine Ace Hardware President Michael Wynn. “Santa is already getting busy, but he still has time to look through each letter and decide who’s been naughty or nice and pick out special gifts for a magical Christmas morning.”

Parents can bring their children to the following stores during regular business hours to write and send Letters to Santa:

Collier County

• Downtown Naples (141 Tamiami Trail North)
• East Naples (4433 Tamiami Trail East)
• Marco Island (1720 San Marco Road)
• Golden Gate (11673 Collier Blvd.)
• North Naples (8850 Founders Square Drive)
• Ave Maria (5630 Ave Maria Blvd.)
• Winchester Center (13855 Winchester Trail)
• Pelican Bay (8813 Tamiami Trail North)

Lee County

• Bonita Springs (9100 Bonita Beach Road)
• San Carlos Park (18911 Tamiami Trail South)

Cookies with Santa

Sunshine Ace Hardware will also host Cookies with Santa at select locations. Children can enjoy cookies and take photos with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. at the following locations:

• Nov. 28 at 9100 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs
• Nov. 29 at 8850 Founders Square Drive in North Naples
• Dec. 6 at 18911 Tamiami Trail South in San Carlos Park
• Dec. 13 at 5630 Ave Maria Blvd. in Ave Maria
• Dec. 20 at 8813 Tamiami Trail North in North Naples (Pelican Bay)

The post Sunshine Ace’s Letters to Santa and Cookies with Santa Programs Open in Southwest Florida Through November 28 appeared first on SWFL Family.

The first phase of the partnership, running now through November 30, 2025, offers exciting perks for both new and renewing CMON members:

· Complimentary One-Night Stay – Anyone who purchases or renews an annual CMON Membership during the promotion period will receive a free one-night stay at Compass Hotel Naples by Margaritaville. The resort, located just minutes from Naples’ pristine beaches, offers guests complimentary breakfast, beach shuttles, and a resort-style pool with backyard games and the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill.

· Grand Prize Drawing – Eligible members will also be entered to win a two-night stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, a premier Gulf-front destination offering a full tropical escape.

· Please note: Monthly memberships are not eligible for this promotion.

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a brain-building powerhouse and Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted to children and families. CMON is a two-story, 30,000-square-foot cultural institution with hands-on, fully accessible exhibits developed by experts in child psychology, including 8,000 square feet of outdoor play space. With hands-on exhibits, the accessible museum invites children and their caregivers to journey through the Everglades’ swamps, climb a two-story banyan tree, or experiment with the water-play station. Children can become weather forecasters, farmers, chefs, artists, architects, veterinarians or anything else they can imagine. They will experience the whoosh of the wind, the sound of the sea, and the effects of gravity. Throughout the day, special activities encourage our guests to get involved, try something new, and make memories. CMON provides an exciting, inspiring environment where children and their families play, learn, and dream together.

TPI Hospitality will also participate in upcoming CMON community events, including the annual Jingle Bell Bash on Friday, December 5. Guests can look forward to engaging with their representatives and learning about future offerings. Additional promotions in collaboration with TPI Hospitality will be coming in December.

Organizations interested in partnering with CMON are encouraged to contact Kayla Garrison, Development Director, at kgarrison@cmon.org

The post CMON Members Receive Exclusive Compass Hotel Naples Getaway Benefits During Limited-Time Promotion appeared first on SWFL Family.

In a generous display of community spirit and culinary excellence, Sizzle Dining wrapped up its most successful “dine with purpose” event to date.

Together, the 127 participating Southwest Florida restaurants sold 87,483 meals and more than 8,000 Sizzle cocktails, with $1 from every meal sold going to help Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, a non-profit organization that provides nutritional food to food-insecure elementary students every Friday throughout the school year. Fueled by his experience with food insecurity as a child, Guy Clarke and his team set a goal to raise more money than in any of the past years. Residents and visitors in Southwest Florida enjoyed creative menus and discovered their new favorite restaurants while participating in this much-anticipated event. Plans are already underway to extend the 10th anniversary Sizzle Dining season and incorporate more heart-healthy options.

Over the past four years, Sizzle Dining has donated more than $150,000, helping to ensure over 30,000 hunger-free weekends for elementary school students across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.

“This year’s event once again demonstrated the incredible heart of our restaurant community,” said Guy Clarke, executive director of Sizzle Dining. “Local restaurants needed the extra boost during the slow season, and our community came together in record numbers to dine with purpose and raise an extraordinary amount for Blessings in a Backpack. It’s proof that when we support local, everyone wins.”

The 2025 Sizzle Dining event brought new energy to Southwest Florida’s dining scene with exciting culinary offerings, creative prix-fixe menus, and special experiences. Restaurants across the region, from neighborhood favorites to fine dining destinations, participated in the four-week celebration of food, community, and compassion. Notable mentions from this year’s Sizzle Dining include a dollar-for-dollar match from Bone Hook Brewery and Craft Kitchen, with 506 meals sold equating to a $1,102 donation to Blessings in a Backpack. For the third consecutive year, Phelan Family Brands was the top donor, with a total of nineteen of its brand restaurants participating. Additionally, six restaurants participating in Sizzle Dining for the first time made it to the top 20 list for restaurant sales, including Estia, Blackbird Modern Asian, Hogfish Harry’s, M Waterfront Grille, Tap 42 Craft Kitchen + Bar, Naples, and Alice Sweetwater’s Bar & Grille. 

“We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible generosity and enormous impact of Sizzle Dining this year. The funds they’ve raised will ensure that nearly 500 children have food every single weekend of the school year, which is a truly profound blessing. Beyond the financial support, Sizzle Dining’s campaign is an unprecedented awareness tool for us; I’ve personally spoken with new donors who felt compelled to support our mission after learning about us through the Sizzle experience,” said Jenn Robinson, managing director, Blessings in a Backpack Southwest Florida.

In addition to helping local children in need, Sizzle Dining continues to play a vital role in strengthening the regional economy. The event also:

• Contributes more than $5 million annually to the Southwest Florida economy by driving business to local restaurants during one of the slowest times of the year.
• Fosters community pride by encouraging residents and visitors to explore and support locally owned establishments.
• Stimulates job growth and boosts revenue across the hospitality supply chain.
• Attracts tourism, drawing visitors to Lee and Collier counties for unique dining experiences.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Sizzle Dining, with even more restaurants expressing interest in participating and expanding on this year’s success. Save the dates for September 1–30, 2026.

About Sizzle Dining 

Sizzle Dining began in 2016 as an 11–day dining event in Naples. Year after year, it has grown substantially thanks to the commitment of local restaurateurs and Sizzle’s founders, Guy and Erin Clarke. Each year, participating local restaurants create mouth-watering prix-fixe breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that highlight their Chefs’ impressive culinary skills. The menus are offered at affordable prices to encourage visitors to try a variety of local restaurants. This event helps drum up business for our local dining scene during one of the slowest months of the year in Southwest Florida. On top of the much-needed boost to our local culinary industry, Sizzle Dining, a 509(a)(2) nonprofit, gives back to the community in an even more impactful way. For every meal purchased, restaurant owners donate $1 of their proceeds to help Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, an incredible organization that helps feed our local food-insecure elementary school children over the weekends. For more information, visit SizzleDining.org.   

The post Sizzle Dining raises $87,483 for Blessings in a Backpack for Children in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

This event benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides financial and housing support to injured veterans, fallen first responders, and Gold Star families. Chaired locally by Lauren Taylor of Taylor Carpet One, this is more than a race—it’s a statement of gratitude.

The event is held in remembrance of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who gave his life on Sept. 11, 2001, after running through the closed Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to reach the Twin Towers. His heroic final act inspires Tunnel to Towers events nationwide.

The event supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides financial and housing support to injured veterans, fallen first responders, and their families.

“We’re honored to be able to support this event once again,” said Taylor. “Through this event, we unite with our community to honor the heroes who gave everything for our safety and freedom. Their courage serves as a lasting inspiration.”

Registration Details

Choose your registration category:

• Adults (18+): $45 ($50 after Sept. 5)
• First Responders & Military (18+): $30 ($35 after Sept. 5)
• Youth (13–17): $25 ($30 after Sept. 5)
• Children (12 & under): $20 ($25 after Sept. 5)

Register today: runsignup.com/Race/Events/FL/FortMyers/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkFortMyersFL

More Than a Run: Supporting Heroes Every Day

Funds raised also benefit the Foundation’s Smart Home Program, which builds mortgage-free smart homes for the most seriously injured veterans and first responders. Learn more at t2t.org/smart-home-program/about-shp

The post Support First Responders and Military Heroes at the Tunnel to Towers 5K on September 6 appeared first on SWFL Family.

As summer winds down, The Naples Players (TNP) are making it even easier for the community to experience their critically acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. During the show’s final week of performances, July 23–27, TNP is offering a special $25 ticket price for teachers, students, first responders, and veterans—a significant reduction from standard rates.

These community discounts are always available through TNP, but this limited-time offer marks a generous seasonal sendoff for the blockbuster musical, which has wowed audiences since opening on June 25. The production features a 38-person cast, an 18-piece live orchestra, and a thrilling, immersive design that has drawn high praise from local theatergoers. In fact, 92% of surveyed audience members said they would recommend Sweeney Todd to a friend.

Final performances will take place:
Wednesday, July 23 – Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m.

To redeem this exclusive $25 offer, eligible patrons must call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990. Tickets are expected to go fast as the show enters its final days.

Families will also enjoy Sweeney Todd: Teen and its youth cast, with performances from August 8–10 in the Kizzie Theatre. Tickets: $25.

EXCEPTIONAL ACCESS

It is the commitment and mission of TNP to provide exceptional access to the power of theatre.  Learn more about the Arts Access Programs, Sensory Viewing Booth, Relaxed Performances, and Accessibility Options available for this production.

For more information about this production or other upcoming events, visit NaplesPlayers.org.

The post The Naples Players Offers a Hot End-of-Summer Discount for Final Week of Sweeney Todd appeared first on SWFL Family.

Our warm, humid climate and abundant rainfall creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes—and this can be deadly to our pets. As summer reaches its peak, so does the risk of pets contracting heartworm disease—a serious and potentially fatal condition spread by mosquitoes—that affects both dogs and cats.

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, making it especially dangerous in warm, humid climates like ours. Once infected, a pet can suffer from severe lung disease, heart failure, organ damage, and in some cases, death. Dogs are natural hosts for heartworms, but cats are also at risk—even indoor cats.

The tragedy? Heartworm disease is completely preventable.

“It is absolutely imperative that all pets—dogs and cats alike—are on monthly heartworm preventative” said Liz McCauley, Executive Director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. “This disease is not just dangerous—it can be deadly. Prevention is simple, but once infected, the treatment is long, expensive, and painful for the animal. We urge every pet owner to take this seriously.”

What Pet Owners Need to Know

• Prevention is key. Consult with your veterinarian about monthly preventive medication. It’s safer, easier, and far less expensive than treating an infected animal.
• Signs of heartworm in dogs include coughing, fatigue, reduced appetite, and weight loss. In cats, symptoms may be subtle or include vomiting, respiratory distress, or sudden collapse.
• Testing and early treatment are critical. Heartworm damage can begin long before your pet shows signs of illness.

How You Can Help Our Shelter Animals

At Cape Coral Animal Shelter, we are currently treating a growing number of heartworm-positive animals, and we need your help. Treating heartworm-positive pets is time-consuming and expensive. It can take 6 to 12 months for a dog to recover, and the costs of medications, veterinary care, and sheltering add up quickly. Please visit www.capecoralanimalshelter.com/donate or visit us in person to learn more about how you can help.

Together, we can protect pets from this silent killer—and give heartworm-positive animals the love and care they need to survive and thrive.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter & Veterinary Clinic is located at 325 SW 2nd Avenue in Cape Coral, FL. For more information, please go to capecoralanimalshelter.com or call 239-573-2002.

The post Local Animal Shelter raises awareness of risk of heartworm disease during recent increased rain, heat, and humidity in Southwest Florida appeared first on SWFL Family.

The 4.5-acre Nature Park will be open for guests to visit and explore hundreds of unique animals and critters, including a variety birds, iguanas, tortoises, alligators, fish, a camel and more. Admission is $16 for adults, $11 for children ages 4 to 12, free for children 3 and under (with a paid adult), $12 for seniors ages 55+ and $11 for military veterans. Ticket sales support the Nature Park staff in the continued care and feeding of the animals as they finalize efforts to rehome to approved facilities.

The park’s onsite restaurants, the Southern Grill and Tommy’s Outdoor Café, will be open with a limited menu until supplies run out.

All remaining merchandise from the Gift Shop is discounted at 40% off, which includes a range of unique gifts, tchotchkes and holiday items. For the safety of guests, capacity within the store will be limited and entry may be staggered accordingly. Guests are advised to be prepared for lines for entry and check-out, which may include outdoor waits.

Any further announcements for the Shell Factory’s closing weekend, and any weather updates, will be posted at Facebook.com/ShellFactoryNaturePark.

About Shell Factory & Nature Park

For 86 years, the Shell Factory & Nature Park has been entertaining children and the young at heart, with something for everyone. The sought-out attraction provides a full day of fun, including amusement-style rides, arcade games, 50,000 square feet of gift shops and much more. The Nature Park offers over 400 critters, birds, reptiles and fish, with a variety of critters from an armadillo to a camel. Visit ShellFactory.com.

The post Shell Factory & Nature Park announces details for final closing weekend Sept. 28-29 appeared first on SWFL Family.